Tough Times: Finding The Jobs/Making The Most Of Your Job

Although the titles suggest that these are "how-to," this 2-tape Canadian series leans more toward individual/company profile and general economic commentary than hands-on instruction. Hosted by a pair of young adults, Finding the Jobs looks at the new economy and the different expectations employers have of prospective employees. With diversity, adaptation, and the ability to niche market becoming more important, employers are looking for a wider range of skills than ever before. The program visits two companies, Zepf Technologies--whose early acceptance of the computer enabled them to thrive in the competitive marketplace of custom-designed gears, wheels, etc. --and Binney & Smith Ltd., a Crayola company whose shift from isolated work units to a more team-oriented approach has saved time and money. The second tape uses examples from the same companies and looks more in-depth at the academic, personal management, and teamworks skills necessary to succeed in the current economic clime. A good series for making high school students aware of the new realities of the changing marketplace, the Tough Times series is recommended. [Note: the fact that the productions are Canadian have no effect on the general economic information on the video--none of the North American countries are currently living high on the hog.] (Available from: Cambridge Educational, 90 MacCorkle Ave. S.W., So. Charleston, WV 25328-2153; (800) 468-4227.)